Surviving Christmas without Breaking the Bank!

Mrs_Soup

My 11 year old would appreciate the tenner more than pretty much anything else.

humptydumptybits

It's like alot of threads when people say "Every one would be happy with a bottle of........" Well I'm teetotal so no good to me. Or "Everyone would love a box of chocolates" I only like the nutty centres so if I get a box of chocolates my GC eat more of them than I do. A mug for the teacher, two of my kids are teachers and they could open a shop for teacher mugs.



It really is a minefield.



I do think the cash is probably the best thing for most teenagers and is what I always do. My favourite gift is an Amazon voucher, usually all spent on books and I generally feel guilty about how much I spend on books but if I've got gift credit I don't need to feel guilty. My kids always say I'm hard to buy for but sometimes the easiest option is really the best.

Vates

As a teenager I would have definitely preferred (& been grateful for) the money. They can choose what to buy or use it to save towards something they really want. I'm in my thirties now and nivea skin care sets seem to be what people buy me these days. Lovely that they thought of me but I have only used one set in about three years

System

For older kids I do £10 voucher or gift card. For the young ones I normally raid the Argos 2 for £15.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I vote for cash. I was always skint as a teenager and loved the relatives who gave me cash. Nothing worse than an unwanted present.

Chandelier.

Another vote here for cash. At least then they could save it towards something they want or put it in their bank. Either that or ask their parents for ideas.

It's all down to personal preference.

Sharon87

That's a lot of neices and nephews to buy for. If you're struggling with money then a joint present for each family - like a big box of chocolates or an outing or something.

Money is a good option for teenagers. As a teenager I didn't expect money off my aunts/uncles. Ask the parents of the kids what they think they'll like.

beanielou

Another vote for money.

Lauralou79

My older niece and nephews get asked what they would like: money or gift. My nephews have mostly asked for money once teenagers. My niece is now 18 and likes to open gifts still. Luckily I know her pretty well and can find things she likes! Little sister at 8 still gets gifts.

I do have a habit of buying a bit of chocolate or something just to open too. But I can afford it ( debt free and no kids ) and I remember being a teen and still liking to open things. Nothing expensive just a couple of pound. I like to thing I know them well enough to know what they like.

Basilboy

I get mine a gift card but for somewhere like Costa/ Starbucks / greggs etc then if they are out with friends and don't have any money they can always get a drink or something to eat .

One year when money was tight I bought them all a book Keri Smith - wreck this journal so suited boys and girls , they all loved it and only cost £5 each .